"Code Blue" procedures a have been established to obtain emergency medical assistance for patients, visitors, and employees. The code team serves as a mobile emergency response team, rendering lifesaving first aid, and making appropriate referrals to any needed services including outside facilities. The Critical Care Medicine Department (CCMD) fellow serves as the team leader.Other members of the code team include the surgery oncology fellow, two intensive care nurses, two respiratory therapists, and the CCMD attending physician. The team responds typically to respiratory and cardiac arrests, anaphylaxis, respiratory distress, severe seizures, and hypotensive/ syncopal episodes.
A Rapid Response Team (RRT) had been established to obtain early access to critical care consultation for any inpatient or outpatient if their condition appears to be deteriorating. This service is provided to improve recognition and response to a change in patient condition and to enhance a culture of safety for the patient. The RRT team consists of the CCMD fellow and the ICU charge nurse. The patient's physician, nurse, or respiratory therapist may call for this assistance whenever needed. Patients and families may also use the service when requested through their health care provider.